Environmental Protection Agency September 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 145 of 145
Draft Research Report: Investigation of Ground Water Contamination Near Pavillion, Wyoming
Following the June 20, 2013, press release, the EPA is discontinuing the public comment period for the external review of the draft research report titled, ``Investigation of Ground Water Contamination near Pavillion, Wyoming.'' The draft research report was prepared by the National Risk Management Research Laboratory, within the EPA Office of Research and Development, and EPA Region 8. The EPA does not plan to finalize or seek peer review of this draft report.
Significant New Use Rule on Certain Chemical Substances
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA is finalizing the significant new use rule (SNUR) for three chemical substances which were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMNs) and subject to a TSCA section 5(e) consent order issued by EPA. This action requires persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process any of these three chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this final rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification will provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.
Prometryn; Pesticide Tolerances
This regulation establishes tolerances for residues of prometryn in or on succulent snap bean, dill oil, fresh dillweed leaves, and dried dillweed leaves. This regulation additionally removes the established tolerance with regional restrictions on dill, since it is superseded by the tolerance on fresh dillweed leaves. Interregional Research Project Number 4 (IR-4) requested these tolerances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
Polyurethane-Type Polymers; Tolerance Exemption
This regulation establishes an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of polymers produced by the reaction of either 1,6-hexanediisocyanate; 2,4,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexanediisocyanate; 5-isocyanato-1-(isocyanatomethyl)-1,3,3-trimethyIcyclohexane (isophoronediisocyanate); 4,4'-methylene-bis-1,1'- cyclohexanediisocyanate; 4,4'-methylene-bis-1,1' benzyldiisocyanate; or 1,3-bis-(2-isocyanatopropan-2-yl)benzene with polyethyleneglycol and end-capped with one or a mixture of more than one of octanol, decanol, dodecanol, tetradecanol, hexadecanol, octadecanol, and octadec-9-enol or polyethyleneglycol ethers of octanol, decanol, dodecanol, tetradecanol, hexadecanol, octadecanol, and octadec-9-enol (also known as polyurethane-type polymers), when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation. Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance. This regulation eliminates the need to establish a maximum permissible level for residues of polyurethane-type polymers on food or feed commodities.
Notice of Receipt of Pesticide Products; Registration Applications To Register New Uses
This notice announces receipt of applications to register new uses for pesticide products containing currently registered active ingredients pursuant to the provisions of section 3(c) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This notice provides the public with an opportunity to comment on the applications.
Styrene, Copolymers with Acrylic Acid and/or Methacrylic Acid; Tolerance Exemption
This regulation revises an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance for residues of styrene, copolymers with acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, with none and/or one or more of the following monomers: Acrylamidopropyl methyl sulfonic acid, methallyl sulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and/or hydroxyethyl acrylate; and its sodium, potassium, ammonium, monoethanolamine, and triethanolamine salts; the resulting polymer having a minimum number average molecular weight (in amu), 1,200 when used as an inert ingredient in a pesticide chemical formulation to include the monomer lauryl methacrylate. Toxcel, (7140 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville, VA 20156) on behalf of Akzo Nobel Surface Chemistry, (909 Mueller Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37406) submitted a petition to EPA under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), requesting an exemption from the requirement of a tolerance.
SFIREG Full Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO)/State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG), Environmental Quality Issues (EQI) Committee will hold a 2-day meeting, beginning on October 21, 2013, and ending October 22, 2013. This notice announces the location and times for the meeting and sets the tentative agenda topics.
Revisions to Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, and Proposed Confidentiality Determinations Under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
The EPA is proposing amendments to reporting and recordkeeping requirements and an alternative verification approach for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. This action addresses concerns about the potential release of certain data that are inputs to emission equations for which the reporting deadline was deferred until March 31, 2015 while maintaining the EPA's ability to verify emissions and ensure compliance with the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. In addition, the EPA is proposing confidentiality determinations for the newly proposed data elements in this action.
Notification of Public Teleconference of the Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a public teleconference of the Hydraulic Fracturing Research Advisory Panel to receive written and oral comments from the public on new and emerging information related to hydraulic fracturing and drinking water resources.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Indiana; Volatile Organic Compound Emission Control Measures for Industrial Solvent Cleaning for Northwest Indiana
On May 29, 2012, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) submitted revisions to its volatile organic compound (VOC) industrial solvent cleaning rule for manufacturers of coatings, inks, adhesives, and resins for approval into its State Implementation Plan (SIP). These revisions are approvable because they are consistent with EPA's Industrial Solvent Cleaning Control Technique Guideline (CTG) document and therefore satisfy the reasonably available control technology (RACT) requirements of the Clean Air Act (Act).
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; State Review Framework
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit a request to renew an existing approved Information Collection Request (ICR) State Review Framework (EPA ICR No. 2185.05, OMB Control No. 2020-0031) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through December 31, 2013. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Determination of Attainment for the Chico Nonattainment Area for the 2006 Fine Particle Standard; California; Determination Regarding Applicability of Clean Air Act Requirements
EPA is taking final action to determine that the Chico nonattainment area in Butte County, California has attained the 2006 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS or standard). This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2010-2012 monitoring period. Based on the above determination, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, together with reasonably available control measures, a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, and contingency measures for failure to meet RFP and attainment deadlines are suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Procedures for Stringency Determinations and Minor Permit Revisions for Federal Operating Permits
EPA is taking a direct final action to approve portions of three revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning the Texas Federal Operating Permits Program. EPA has determined that these SIP revisions, submitted on December 17, 1999, October 4, 2001 and August 11, 2003, comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA regulations and are consistent with EPA policies. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Procedures for Stringency Determinations and Minor Permit Revisions for Federal Operating Permits
EPA is proposing to approve portions of three revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning the Texas Federal Operating Permits Program. EPA has determined that these SIP revisions, submitted on December 17, 1999, October 4, 2001 and August 11, 2003, comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA regulations and are consistent with EPA policies. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Texas; Attainment Demonstration for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria 1997 8-Hour Ozone Nonattainment Area
EPA is proposing to approve State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittals from the State of Texas for the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria 1997 8-hour ozone nonattainment area (HGB area). EPA is proposing approval of the following SIP Clean Air Act required elements from Texas for the HGB area: The attainment demonstration for the 1997 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the reasonably available control measures (RACM) demonstration for the NAAQS, the contingency measures plan in the event of failure to attain the NAAQS by the applicable attainment date, and a Motor Vehicle Emissions Budget (MVEB) for 2018, which is the attainment year for the area. EPA is also proposing to approve revisions to the air pollution control measures and General Air Quality Definitions in the Texas SIP. The revisions to the air pollution control measures include revisions to the Mass Emissions Cap and Trade (MECT) program for nitrogen oxides (NOX), revisions to the highly reactive volatile organic compound (HRVOC) emissions cap and trade (HECT) program, Voluntary Mobile Emissions Program (VMEP) measures, and Transportation Control Measures (TCMs). EPA is proposing these actions in accordance with section 110 and part D of the Clean Air Act (CAA or the Act).
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation; Texas; Houston: Reasonable Further Progress Plan, Contingency Measures, and Transportation Conformity Budgets for the 1997 8-Hour Severe Ozone Nonattainment Area
The EPA is proposing to approve revisions to the Texas State Implementation Plan to the emissions inventory (EI), the reasonable further progress (RFP) plan and contingency measures, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) offset analysis, and transportation conformity motor vehicle emissions budgets associated with the reasonable further progress portion of these revisions. The EPA is proposing to approve these revisions because they satisfy the EI, the RFP, the VMT offset, and transportation conformity requirements for areas classified as severe nonattainment for the 1997 8-hour ozone national ambient air quality standard and demonstrate further progress in reducing ozone precursors.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts; Reasonably Available Control Technology for the 1997 8-Hour Ozone Standard
EPA is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Massachusetts. These SIP revisions consist of a demonstration that Massachusetts meets the requirements of reasonably available control technology (RACT) for oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) set forth by the Clean Air Act with respect to the 1997 8-hour ozone standard. Additionally, we are approving updates to two existing regulations limiting emissions of volatile organic compounds. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Connecticut; NOX
EPA is approving State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the State of Connecticut. These revisions approve NOX Emission Trading Orders (trading orders) allowing facilities to create and/or use emission credits to comply with the NOX emission limits required by Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA) section 22a-174-22 (Control of Nitrogen Oxides). The intended effect of this action is to allow facilities to determine the most cost-effective way to comply with the state regulation. This action is being taken in accordance with the Clean Air Act.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maine; Oxides of Nitrogen Exemption and Ozone Transport Region Restructuring
The EPA is announcing an extension of the public comment period on our proposed Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Maine; Oxides of Nitrogen Exemption and Ozone Transport Region Restructuring (August 5, 2013). The EPA is extending the comment period that originally was scheduled to end on September 4, 2013. The extended comment period will close on October 3, 2013. The EPA is extending the comment period because of a request we received.
Air Quality Implementation Plan; Alabama; Attainment Plan for the Troy Area 2008 Lead Nonattainment Area
EPA is proposing to approve a state implementation plan (SIP) revision, submitted by the State of Alabama through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), to EPA on November 9, 2012, for the purpose of providing for attainment of the 2008 Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in the Troy 2008 Lead nonattainment area (hereafter referred to as the ``Troy Area'' or ``Area''). The Troy Area is comprised of a portion of Pike County in Alabama surrounding the Sanders Lead Company (hereafter referred to as ``Sanders Lead''). EPA is proposing to approve Alabama's November 9, 2012 SIP submittal regarding the attainment plan based on Alabama's attainment demonstration for the Troy Area. The attainment plan includes the base year emissions inventory requirements, an analysis of the reasonably available control technology (RACT) and reasonably available control measures (RACM) requirements, reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, modeling demonstration of lead attainment and contingency measures for the Troy Area. This action is being taken in accordance with Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA's guidance related to lead attainment planning.
Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Oklahoma; Revisions to Excess Emissions Requirements; Finding of Substantial Inadequacy: and Call for Oklahoma State Implementation Plan Revision
The EPA is proposing three actions concerning revisions to the Oklahoma State Implementation Plan (SIP) submitted by the State of Oklahoma on July 16, 2010 (the July 16, 2010 SIP submittal). These actions address revisions to the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC), Title 252, Chapter 100, Subchapter 9Excess Emission Reporting Requirements (Subchapter 9). In the first action, we are proposing approval of certain provisions of the July 16, 2010 SIP submittal which are consistent with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act). In the second action, we are proposing a limited approval and limited disapproval of certain other provisions of the July 16, 2010 SIP submittal which will have the overall effect of strengthening the Oklahoma SIP, but a portion of which are inconsistent with the requirements of the CAA. In the third action, we are proposing a finding of substantial inadequacy and proposing a SIP call with a proposed submittal date for certain provisions of the July 16, 2010 SIP submittal associated with the proposed limited approval and limited disapproval found to be inconsistent with CAA requirements, as set forth in the second action. If finalized, the SIP call associated with the proposed finding of substantial inadequacy will not, by itself, trigger a sanction clock for Oklahoma. This rulemaking is being taken in accordance with section 110 of the Act.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval: Comment Request; Great Lakes Accountability System (Reinstatement)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), Great Lakes Accountability System (Reinstatement) (EPA ICR No. 2379.02, OMB Control No. 2005-0001) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is a request to reinstate the ICR. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (78 FR 21937) on April 12, 2013 during a 60-day comment period. No comments were received. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A more complete description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Confidentiality Rules (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Confidentiality Rules (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1665.12, OMB Control No. 2020-0003) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through January 31, 2014. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Off-Site Waste and Recovery Operations (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Off-Site Waste and Recovery Operations (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart DD) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1717.09, OMB Control No. 2060-0313), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through October 31, 2013. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (78 FR 33409) on June 4, 2013 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for the Manufacture of Amino/Phenolic Resins (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for the Manufacture of Amino/Phenolic Resins (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart OOO) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1869.07, OMB Control No. 2060-0434), to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through October 31, 2013. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (78 FR 33409) on June 4, 2013 during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Information Collection Request Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NESHAP for Petroleum Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur Recovery Units (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency has submitted an information collection request (ICR), ``NESHAP for Petroleum Refineries: Catalytic Cracking Units, Catalytic Reforming Units, and Sulfur Recovery Units (40 CFR Part 63, Subpart UUU) (Renewal)'' (EPA ICR No. 1844.06, OMB Control No. 2060-0554) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through September 30, 2013. Public comments were previously requested via the Federal Register (77 FR 63813) on October 17, 2012, during a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. A fuller description of the ICR is given below, including its estimated burden and cost to the public. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Colorado; Construction Permit Program Fee Increases; Construction Permit Regulation of PM2.5
EPA proposes to approve the three State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision packages submitted by the State of Colorado on June 11, 2008, June 18, 2009, and May 25, 2011. EPA is proposing to approve the June 11, 2008 and June 18, 2009 submittal revisions to Regulation 3, Part A, Section VI.D.1., in which the State, among other things, increased the construction permit processing fees. EPA proposes approval of Colorado's May 25, 2011 submittal, which addresses regulation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) under Colorado's construction permit program. EPA also proposes to approve minor editorial changes to Regulation 3, Parts A, B, and D in the May 25, 2011 submittal. This action is being taken under section 110 of the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Promulgation of State Implementation Plan Revisions; Infrastructure Requirements for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5
EPA is proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove State Implementation Plan (SIP) submissions from the State of Wyoming to demonstrate that the SIP meets the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) promulgated for particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers ([mu]m) in diameter (PM2.5) on July 18, 1997 and on October 17, 2006. The CAA requires that each state, after a new or revised NAAQS is promulgated, review their SIP to ensure that they meet the requirements of the ``infrastructure elements'' necessary to implement the new or revised NAAQS. Wyoming provided infrastructure submissions for the 1997 and 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS on March 26, 2008 and August 19, 2011, respectively. EPA does not propose to act on certain portions of the submissions for the 2006 PM2.5 NAAQS that are intended to meet requirements related to interstate transport of air pollution. EPA will act on the remainder of the submissions in a separate action.
Notification of Submission to the Secretary of Agriculture; Pesticides; Satisfaction of Data Requirements; Procedures To Ensure Protection of Data Submitters' Rights
This document notifies the public as required by the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) that the EPA Administrator has forwarded to the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) a draft final rule titled: ``Pesticides; Satisfaction of Data Requirements; Procedures to Ensure Protection of Data Submitters' Rights.'' The draft regulatory document is not available to the public until after it has been signed and made available by EPA.
Proposed Information Collection Request; Comment Request; Laboratory Quality Assurance Evaluation Program for Analysis of Cryptosporidium Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (Renewal)
The Environmental Protection Agency is planning to submit an information collection request (ICR), ``Laboratory Quality Assurance Evaluation Program for Analysis of Cryptosporidium Under the Safe Drinking Water Act'' (EPA ICR No. 2067.05, OMB Control No. 2040-0246) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). Before doing so, EPA is soliciting public comments on specific aspects of the proposed information collection as described below. This is a proposed extension of the ICR, which is currently approved through January 31, 2014. An Agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
2013 Fall Joint Meeting of the Ozone Transport Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Northeast Visibility Union
The United States Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the joint 2013 Fall Meeting of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) and the Mid-Atlantic Northeast Visibility Union (MANE-VU). The meeting agenda will include topics regarding reducing ground-level ozone precursors and matters relative to Regional Haze and visibility improvement in Federal Class I areas in a multi-pollutant context.
National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines; New Source Performance Standards for Stationary Internal Combustion Engines
On January 30, 2013, the EPA finalized amendments to the national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for stationary reciprocating internal combustion engines and the standards of performance for stationary internal combustion engines. Subsequently, the EPA received three petitions for reconsideration of the final rule. The EPA is announcing reconsideration of and requesting public comment on three issues raised in the petitions for reconsideration, as detailed in the Supplementary Information section of this notice of reconsideration. The EPA plans to issue a final decision on these issues as expeditiously as possible. The EPA is seeking comment only on the three issues. The EPA will not respond to any comments addressing any other issues or any other provisions of the final rule or any other rule. The EPA is not proposing any changes to its regulations in this notice of reconsideration.
Approval and Promulgation of State Implementation Plans; Utah: Prevention of Significant Deterioration; Greenhouse Gas Permitting Authority and Tailoring Rule
EPA is proposing to partially approve and partially disapprove revisions to the Utah State Implementation Plan (SIP) relating to regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) under Utah's Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program and other SIP provisions. These revisions were submitted to EPA on April 14, 2011 by the Governor. The GHG-related SIP revisions are designed to align Utah's regulations with the GHG emission thresholds established in EPA's ``PSD and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Final Rule,'' which EPA issued by notice dated June 3, 2010. In today's action, EPA is proposing to approve the GHG (as it relates to the PSD program) revisions because the Agency has determined that this SIP revision, which is already adopted by Utah as a final effective rule, is in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) and EPA regulations regarding PSD permitting for GHGs.
Determination of Attainment for the West Central Pinal Nonattainment Area for the 2006 Fine Particle Standard; Arizona; Determination Regarding Applicability of Clean Air Act Requirements
EPA is taking final action to determine that the West Central Pinal nonattainment area in Arizona has attained the 2006 24-hour fine particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This determination is based upon complete, quality-assured, and certified ambient air monitoring data showing that this area has monitored attainment of the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS based on the 2010-2012 monitoring period. Based on the above determination, the requirements for this area to submit an attainment demonstration, together with reasonably available control measures (RACM), a reasonable further progress (RFP) plan, and contingency measures for failure to meet RFP and attainment deadlines are suspended for so long as the area continues to attain the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
Water Quality Standards Regulatory Clarifications
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing changes to the federal water quality standards (WQS) regulation which helps implement the Clean Water Act. The changes will improve the regulation's effectiveness in restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. The EPA is seeking comments from interested parties on these proposed revisions. The core of the current regulation has been in place since 1983; since then, a number of issues have been raised by states, tribes, or stakeholders or identified by the EPA in the implementation process that will benefit from clarification and greater specificity. The proposed rule addresses the following key program areas: Administrator's determinations that new or revised WQS are necessary, designated uses, triennial reviews, antidegradation, variances to WQS, and compliance schedule authorizing provisions.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State of New Jersey; Redesignation of Areas for Air Quality Planning Purposes and Approval of the Associated Maintenance Plan
On December 26, 2012 the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) submitted a request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the redesignation of the New Jersey portion of the New York-N.New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ- CT nonattainment area, and the New Jersey portion of the Philadelphia- Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE nonattainment area, from nonattainment to attainment for the 1997 annual and the 2006 24-hour Fine Particle (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). In conjunction with its redesignation request, New Jersey submitted a State Implementation Plan (SIP) revision containing a maintenance plan for the areas that provides for continued maintenance of the 1997 annual and 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS. The submittals included the 2007 ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOC), nitrogen oxides (NOX), direct PM2.5 and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions inventories submitted to meet the comprehensive emissions inventory requirements of section 172(c)(3) of the Clean Air Act (CAA), and accompanying motor vehicle emissions budgets. EPA is taking final action to approve the requested SIP revisions and to redesignate the New Jersey portions of the New York- N.New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT nonattainment area, and the Philadelphia-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE nonattainment area, to attainment for the 1997 annual and the 2006 24-hour PM2.5 NAAQS.
Virginia: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
Virginia has applied to EPA for final authorization of revisions to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA has determined that these revisions satisfy all requirements needed to qualify for final authorization and is authorizing Virginia's revisions through this immediate final action. EPA is publishing this rule to authorize the revisions without a prior proposal because we believe this action is not controversial and do not expect comments that oppose it. Unless we receive written comments that oppose this authorization during the comment period, the decision to authorize Virginia's revisions to its hazardous waste program will take effect. If we receive comments that oppose this action we will publish a document in the Federal Register withdrawing the relevant portions of this rule, before they take effect, and a separate document in the proposed rules section of this Federal Register will serve as a proposal to authorize revisions to Virginia's program that were the subject of adverse comments.
Virginia: Final Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Management Program Revisions
Virginia has applied to EPA for final authorization of revisions to its hazardous waste program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). EPA proposes to grant final authorization to Virginia. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of this Federal Register, EPA is authorizing the revisions by an immediate final rule. EPA did not make a proposal prior to the immediate final rule because we believe this action is not controversial and do not expect comments that oppose it. We have explained the reasons for this authorization in the preamble to the immediate final rule. Unless we receive written comments that oppose this authorization during the comment period, the immediate final rule will become effective on the date it establishes, and we will not take further action on this proposal. However, if we receive comments that oppose this action, or portions thereof, we will withdraw the relevant portions of the immediate final rule, and they will not take effect. We will then respond to public comments in a later final rule based on this proposal. You may not have another opportunity for comment. If you want to comment on this action, you must do so at this time.
Notice of Public Meeting of the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a meeting of the Interagency Steering Committee on Radiation Standards (ISCORS) on September 18, 2013 in Washington, DC. The purpose of ISCORS is to foster early resolution and coordination of regulatory issues associated with radiation standards. Member agencies include: EPA; the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Departments of Energy; Defense; Transportation; Homeland Security; Health and Human Services; and Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Observer agencies include: the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Office of Management and Budget, Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, as well as state representatives from Arizona and Pennsylvania. ISCORS maintains several objectives: (1) Facilitate a consensus on allowable levels of radiation risk to the public and workers; (2) promote consistent and scientifically sound risk assessment and risk management approaches in setting and implementing standards for occupational and public protection from ionizing radiation; (3) promote completeness and coherence of Federal standards for radiation protection; and (4) identify interagency radiation protection issues and coordinate their resolution. ISCORS meetings include presentations by Subcommittee Chairs and discussions of current radiation protection issues. Committee meetings normally involve pre-decisional intra-governmental discussions and, as such, are normally not open for observation by members of the public or media. This particular ISCORS meeting is open to all interested members of the public. Time will be reserved on the agenda for members of the public to provide comments.
SFIREG Full Committee; Notice of Public Meeting
The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO)/State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group (SFIREG), Pesticide Operations and Management (POM) Committee will hold a 2-day meeting, beginning on September 16, 2013, and ending September 17, 2013. This notice announces the location and times for the meeting and sets forth the tentative agenda topics.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Maintenance Plan Update for Lake County, Indiana for Sulfur Dioxide
EPA is proposing to approve a maintenance plan update for the Lake County, Indiana sulfur dioxide (SO2) maintenance area. This plan update demonstrates that Lake County will maintain attainment of the 1971 SO2 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) through 2025. This maintenance plan update satisfies section 175A of the Clean Air Act (Act), and is consistent with the September 26, 2005, approval of the State's redesignation request and maintenance plan for the Lake County, Indiana SO2 area.
Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Indiana; Maintenance Plan Update for Lake County, Indiana for Sulfur Dioxide
EPA is approving a maintenance plan update for the Lake County, Indiana sulfur dioxide (SO2) maintenance area. This plan update demonstrates that Lake County will maintain attainment of the 1971 SO2 national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) through 2025. This maintenance plan update satisfies section 175A of the Clean Air Act (Act), and is consistent with the September 26, 2005, approval of the State's redesignation request and maintenance plan for the Lake County, Indiana SO2 area.
Adequacy Status of the Submitted 2009, 2017 and 2025 PM2.5
In this action, EPA is notifying the public that we have found the motor vehicle emissions budgets for PM2.5 and NOX in the submitted maintenance plan for the New York portions of the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-CT PM2.5 nonattainment areas to be adequate for transportation conformity purposes. The transportation conformity rule requires that the EPA conduct a public process and make an affirmative decision on the adequacy of budgets before they can be used by metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in conformity determinations. As a result of our finding, the new 2009, 2017 and 2025 PM2.5 budgets are applicable to nine of the ten counties in the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council planning area (excluding Putnam County) and Orange County in the Orange County Transportation Council planning area and must be used for all future transportation conformity determinations.
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